State Nomination Guide: 190 and 491 Visa Pathways

State nomination can significantly boost your chances of obtaining Australian permanent residency. Both the Skilled Nominated visa (subclass 190) and the Skilled Work Regional visa (subclass 491) offer pathways that can add crucial points to your application.

Understanding State Nomination

State and territory governments can nominate skilled workers whose occupations are in demand in their region. This nomination provides:

• 5 additional points for the 190 visa (permanent residency)
• 15 additional points for the 491 visa (provisional, leads to permanent)
• Priority processing for invited applicants
• Access to occupations not on the federal list

Subclass 190 vs 491: Key Differences

Subclass 190 (Permanent)

• Immediate permanent residency
• Must live and work in the nominating state for at least 2 years
• 5 additional points
• No regional requirement after initial commitment period

Subclass 491 (Provisional)

• Provisional visa valid for 5 years
• Must live and work in regional Australia
• 15 additional points
• Pathway to permanent residency (subclass 191) after 3 years

State-Specific Requirements

New South Wales

• High competition for popular occupations
• Regular invitation rounds
• Strong focus on IT, engineering, and healthcare
• Minimum points thresholds vary by occupation

Victoria

• Active in healthcare and education sectors
• Supports both onshore and offshore applicants
• Regular updates to occupation lists
• Strong regional opportunities

Queensland

• Divided into Brisbane/Gold Coast and regional areas
• Good opportunities for engineers and trades
• Lower competition than NSW and VIC
• Strong support for regional migration

Western Australia

• Extremely active in 2024 with high nomination numbers
• Separate graduate and general streams
• No job offer required for many occupations
• Growing opportunities in mining and construction

South Australia

• Strong regional focus
• Good pathways for graduates
• Lower points requirements
• Growing tech and defense sectors

Tasmania

• Smaller but consistent program
• Strong graduate pathways
• Regional living benefits
• Growing healthcare demand

Application Process

1. Check State Requirements: Review each state's specific criteria
2. Submit EOI: Indicate interest in state nomination in SkillSelect
3. Apply for Nomination: Submit separate application to the state
4. Receive Nomination: State reviews and nominates if eligible
5. Receive Invitation: Department of Home Affairs invites you to apply
6. Apply for Visa: Submit visa application within 60 days

Tips for Success

• Research each state thoroughly - requirements change frequently
• Consider regional areas - less competition, more opportunities
• Monitor state websites for updated occupation lists
• Apply to multiple states if eligible
• Highlight state-specific skills in your application

2024 Trends

• Western Australia has emerged as the most active state
• Regional areas receiving increased focus
• Healthcare and education consistently in demand
• Tech sector growing across all states

State nomination can be your pathway to Australian permanent residency. Research your options carefully and consider which state aligns best with your occupation and lifestyle preferences.